Cuvaison - Carneros

Cuvaison was founded in 1969 and is one of the wineries that shaped the modern era of Napa Valley winemaking. It has stayed independent and family-owned for more than five decades, which is increasingly rare in this valley.

The Tai Estate Vineyard in Los Carneros runs to more than 125 acres of rolling vineyard, and the winery describes itself as an elegantly modern oasis. The Los Carneros Experience Salon is the tasting setting, and the collections are layered as Small Lot, Micro Lot and Legacy, focused on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Michael scores wine and staff at 8 apiece, one of the better balanced records here. Appointments required. A high-quality anchor for a southern Napa route.